Important: please read the medical dislaimer before continuing
Blisters are due to friction between the skin and another surface. A blister occurs when a tear forms in the upper layers of the skin into which fluid enters.
In badminton, players risk blisters on their feet and racket hand as this is where friction is likely to happen the most and the skin type is suceptible.
To prevent blisters friction should be reduced and the skin kept dry. The following tips should be recommended:
- Buy sport specific shoes (i.e. badminton)
- Shoes should have a confortable fit, not too big, not too small. There should be a thumbs width distance between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- When trying on shoes, wear the socks that you will normally wear for the sport to ensure accurate sizing
- Use more than one sock in layers are special double-layered socks
- Some modern fibres used in socks, such as polypropylene, can wick water away faster. These are preferred
- Change socks during tournaments to keep dry
- Wear sandals or non-occlusive shoes when not playing
- Area specific padded insoles to reduce friction. This can also help if there are seams or rough areas in the shoe causing blisters
- Drying agents. Powders and spray antiperspirants containing e.g. aluminum chlorhydrate or aluminum chloride. Stronger drying regimes can be prescribed by a doctor
- A thin layer of petroleum jelly to reduce friction
- Gradual increase of activity over time to develop protective calluses rather than blisters
- Taping over the vulnerable skin
References and suggested further reading
Avoiding and Treating Blisters - Michael L. Ramsey, MD - THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 25 - NO. 12 - DECEMBER 97
Skin Disorders of the Foot in Active Patients - Craig G. Burkhart, MD, MSPH - THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 27 - NO. 2 - FEBRUARY 1999
